Chapter - 25

Location - Hospital - ICCU - 8 PM

Manik there is no way I am going to let you escape from having this soup. You need to take medicine and for that you have to drink this soup. Nandini third time reasoned Manik - who had now turned into a 7 - year old child who hates soup. He pressed his lips more tightly and shook his head in a No once again. Now that every thing was tried but this new stubborn kiddie - wink in town wasn't coming around - Nandini; the much younger ankle - biter decided to use the sure - shot weapon - the ultimate flimflam of blackmailing - to convince Manik who was being childishly adamant against supping soup. Putting her artifice into action, she made a sad face and saidOkay don't eat and don't have the medicine also. I will keep getting sad seeing you like this. I want you to get cured fast - but you are feeling good in troubling me na. Okaye then. Even I won't eat anything until you finish this soup. And Bullseye! Arrow had hit the target and bowing down to her threat, Manik finally gave in saying or rather complaining This is cheating Nandini. You always win over using this extortion and this baby face. He said pecking on her pout and she asked, rounding her big doe - eyes That means you will eat this? Yayyiee! Now before this baby inside changes my Papa's mind - open your mouth so that I can feed you. He smiled seeing her happy and then said, gulping down the tasteless soup that was poured into his mouth with a face as if he was ready to pukeNandini this is not soup. Its torture. It will make me all the more sick. So yuck it is. Chee! She snickered seeing his tantrums and was also enjoying them as it was very rare - he would behave jejunely because all the time it would be her who will be demanding his attention and getting pampered. On not getting any reply but a smile, he continued I am loving your smile but that really doesn't mean I am going to eat this wishy - washy and bland soup again. I know you won't allow me to eat anything scrumptious and sorry to make you work but Can I ask for the something moreish made by you? You know I love food made by you. Now this was a wish few and far between - when Manik would express his desire to have food made by her.

Despite loving whatever she made more than any delish and toothsome food; he hardly let her cook because according to him - cooking brings with it - chances of 'mishappening' and 'hazards' as dangerous as getting a cut on the finger or accidentally touching a hot vessel and when he couldn't allow even wind flowing with increased velocity to touch her skin; letting her endure so much pain was out of question. When Nandini argued over this - he plainly stated that he loves and married her to be with him by his side and not to do chores at their place which can be done by servants. He had actually in true meaning; kept her wrapped in feathers, always waiting for her on his hand and foot and had catered to her every whim.

And now when he himself was requesting; saying a no was as impossible as herding cats - she was more than ready for it - so much that she would have knocked up a dish right away if there was any kitchen around. She lovingly fed him another spoon - that he took with the same expression You don't need to ask Manik. Just order. He pulled her closer lightly, careful to not spill the soup from the bowl she was holding and replied Queens are only requested. No one, not even the King himself holds the power to give an order to her. So how do you expect me to have the upper hand over you hmm? She blushed at his words and an intense eye - lock followed which was broken before even getting properly started by Cabir's voice - who was till now silently watching the manaofyingsession between the two, saying Tum dono ki koi guarantee nahi hai - kab cute kids se serious adults banjaogey pata hi nahi chalega. Bohot risk hai tum dono ke saath rehna. Neither of the two replied to his taunt and just smiled sheepishly looking at each other whereas Cabir giggled seeing their flushed faces.

The trio were having random talks when Nandini got a phone call and she excused herself after checking the caller ID that made Manik suspicious as this was something Nandini never did; no matter whose call it would be she never hesitated in receiving it in front of him - but he dismissed his thoughts thinking it might be something related to her work. After about 10 minutes or so, she came back along with the medicines and Manik instantly noticed the crinkle on her forehead that was a sign that she was tensed and her witty brain was in a brown study - first he thought of confronting but he backed off as he knew she herself will tell him on the right time and he din't want to make her feel doubted by asking. About Nandini; she was feeling guilty that she was hiding it from him but she din't want to stress him by sharing her worry and it wasn't that she wanted to keep it a secret - He would be the first one to know about it once she gets successful in doing whatever she started.

In the meantime; Cabir went and fetched some sandwiches for himself and Nandini to be eaten as dinner and fulfilling the other half of the condition she had placed in front of Manik - she quietly ate two of them without cribbing. Cabir took the couch for sleeping and Manik pulled Nandini beside him on the bed but she tried to move saying Manik you need some good sleep. And if I sleep here then you won't be comfortable - itna chotu sa bed hai yeh. He firmed his hold on her waist and replied, while tugging her in the duvet and enclosing her in his arms My Baby is more chotu than this bed. Tum itni si toh ho - kounsa tum pura bed cover karrahi ho. And moreover you know na - I don't get sleep until I snuggle you close. Realizing there was no way she could reason him and so, giving up her attempts to move away - she wrapped her tiny arm around his stomach, burrowing herself in his embrace and muttered against the crook of his neckGood night Manik! I Love You. He cuddled her more into himself and replied, after planting a kiss on her temple Good Night Baby! I Love You More. After a little more mute romance and pecks - they finally fell asleep peacefully in each others warmth.

It was early morning when Nandini woke up with the Vibration of her phone that was kept in her jeans pocket. She lazily slid her hand in and dismissed the alarm she had set last night. Unhurriedly, releasing herself from his grip - heedful not to wake him up, she got down from the bed to leave for home to get him some ghar ka khana before he wakes up. She took her stole and muffled it around his hand so that he can feel her close - she was sure he wouldn't wake up before noon because of the sedatives but still did so as she knew; even if he would be asleep he would be restless and uneasy on not sensing her near. Pecking lightly on his forehead; she left the room after writing a note for Cabir if he wakes up.

On reaching home; she greeted Ramesh Kaka and informed him about Manik's health when he questioned her about the same and then after getting freshened up; she got engaged in cooking a full day menu for him so that he eats all the meals heartily - which would lead to better functioning of his body causing it to respond to the medicines more efficiently therefore promising his fast recovery. Within 2 hours, she stewed some vegetable casserole, roasted some boneless chicken pieces and pot - cooked some khichdi - keeping in mind his health and food preferences. She also made some sandwiches and normal food including some parathas, rice and curry for Cabir and herself. Packing all the vivers in aluminium covered receptacles to keep them warm - she took the White Lily bouquet - that she had ordered a servant to get - and vamoosed to the hospital.

It was around 11 : 30 am, when Manik opened his eyes to see Nandini - fresh as a rose - standing beside his bed and arranging the Lilies in the Vase and Cabir gorging on food laid in front of him. Seeing Cabir busy in devouring - he pulled Nandini closer and engulfed her in his arms for a morning hug, to energize and enliven his spirits with her fruity scent. They pulled apart and Manik softly sucked her lips - giving her a morning kiss along with the first blush of the day and wished her a new day. She wished him the same and asked, ruffling his hair How are You feeling Now? Had good sleep? He tucked the strands of hair that were brushing her forehead, behind her ear and replied How can I not get good sleep when you are in my arms? And yeah! I am feeling much better. She lightly and secretly pecked on his lips and said, while helping him sit on the bed Ab jaldi se let me change your dressing and then will feed you the stew. His eyes lit up hearing the word stew, joyful that he wouldn't have to drink that soup again and he asked excitedly Really? Stew? But where did it come from? She smiled seeing his delight and replied, while unbuttoning his shirt You forgot? You asked me last night to get some home food. So I went home - cooked your meal for the entire day and came back. His excitement soon replaced with remorse for making her work so much and he apologized, catching his ears I am so sorry Baby! Meri wajah se you had to toil so much. She held his hands and replied, removing them from his earsManik don't be sorry please. This ain't any labour work. I love doing all this for you - just the way you love cossetting me. Please don't feel bad. And I did all this for my foody Papa. He smiled kittenishly on the word foody and she couldn't resist herself from bending a little and kissing the corner of his lips.

Though his wounds were healing; the ache in her heart was still fresh - her eyes again brimmed with tears and goosebumps made their way on her soft skin when the ointment touched his bruises. She kissed on the bruises after delicately tying the fresh bandages while he just kept smiling at her cute face; feeling the luckiest man on the earth to have this single - piece; the tiny baby who was an epitome of love, the personification of the term 'care' and the perfect byword for altruism. He gently wiped away her tears and moved closer for a kiss but was interrupted by Cabir clearing his throat with a smirk - all ready to take the mickey out of their romance. But acting as a savior against Cabir's leg pulling - Angad entered the room for the regular check - up; leaving Cabir vexed by spoiling all his evil plans to poke some fun at MaNan. Nevertheless, keeping apart the jokes and fun, he came near Manik and asked Angad - who was absorbed in the reportsIs everything okaye Angad? Angad hooked the report pad back to the stand and replied Yeah everything is fine. In fact its very good. He turned towards Nandini and continued Now that he is out of danger and recovering, do you mind us shifting him to the special ward? She readily agreed as she din't want to keep the ICCU ward busy unnecessarily in case any emergency arrives. Angad smiled at her responsible attitude and left to get the special ward ready. Nandini was changing Manik's hospital dress when ward boys came and Manik was shifted to the special ward - that had a big window facing the garden side of the infirmary and was fully decorated with flower bouquets as per Nandini's instructions so that they give Manik some homely feeling.

Nandini was eating her lunch and also feeding Manik the stew that he was relishing as if it was a savory from heaven - along with non - stop showering of praises on her about her cooking skills - when Fab 3 along with Navya and Aarav came as the visiting hours had started. Dashing into the room, Aarav directly ran towards Manik and sprung in his arms sobbing - making everyone including Manik schmaltzy and misty - eyed by such a toe - curly gesture. Manik clasped him tightly to his bosom and said in a low voice Don't cry champ! See partner is fine. Nothing happened. He pulled apart and replied innocently, amidst his sobs No! You are lying. Mom told me that you are sick and even Maasi ma was crying. What happened to you? Manik went all aww seeing him talking so cutely and said, wiping his tears and nestling him in his laps What happened is - Your superman worked so much in the marriage na - that is why he fell sick thoda sa because he was tired. Bas! Aarav's lips shaped in an O while listening to his explanation and after processing something in his teeny weeny yet ingenious mind, he repliedYou are again lying. I know you are very strong. Sirf fever hota to aap hospital me nahi hotey and Maasi ma bhi itna nahi roti. I understand why you are not telling me - because I am so small na. But promise me - when I grow up you will tell me okaye? Manik was left speechless; so were others by his reply and agreeing to his adorable command, Manik just said an Okay and again embosomed him and planted a kiss on his forehead. Aarav kissed him back on his cheek and said I Love You Partner! I missed you so much. Manik made him sit in front of him and replied, joining his forehead with his and playing with his smally hands I Love You too Champ! I missed you more. Saying this he pecked on his lips and then Aarav moved into Nandini's arms - who harbored him in her arms and said How are you baccha? Massi ma missed you. He sat on her legs, keeping his legs on the either side of her waist and replied, encircling his arms around her neck I wasn't good because these hospital people were not letting me meet you. You know how much I missed you both. Itna saaara. Nandini smiled seeing him stretch his itsy - bitsy hands to infinity trying to show the degree to which he missed them. She kissed him on his cheek; a favor he returned instantaneously and what followed was another cuddly bout between the two; that brought wide grins on everyone's faces.

All of them were busy chewing the rag when Nandini got a call and like she did the previous night; she moved out to take the call, increasing Manik's curiosity. He made a mental note to ask her about it as the visible twitchiness in her eyes on seeing the caller ID was something he could no longer neglect. As soon as she left the room, a short and stout man with a face as plain as pikestaff and a strange wickedness written all over it, entered with a basket of fruits. Fab 5 welcomed him warmly and then Cabir said, sitting beside him on the couch Mr. Vadhera! We were expecting you but din't know you would come so soon. He looked at Manik and replied I had to come and I din't want to delay. So, how are you now Mr. Malhotra? Manik smiled cordially and answered courteouslyNever felt better. Thank you for coming. Mr. Vadhera smiled back which was more like an evil grin but unfortunately no one noticed it.

Fab 4 were conversing with him regarding the album but Manik's eyes were fixed on the door, awaiting Nandini anxiously as it was almost half an hour since she left and no one knew where she was.

One hour passed and still Nandini din't return. Manik's worry was at its peak and he was about to ask Dhruv to go and look for Nandini, when Mr. Vadhera stood up and said Okay then I will take your leave! See you all soon. Till then take care. All of them bid him good bye and on seeing him reach the door, Manik instantly turned to Cabir to ask him about Nandini but stopped on hearing an abrupt sound of someone falling on the ground and was startled to find the person to be Mr. Vadhera. On lifting his eyes a little - he saw Nandini standing along with Vihaan (Her advocate friend), DSP, Commissioner and two constables who were holding a handcuffed person. Manik heaved a sigh on seeing her safe and sound; but the next second his brows frowned seeing her eyes - that were blood red with fury blazing in them. She looked extremely angry and was glaring at Mr. Vadhera with so much wrath that he would have been set ablaze only if eyes could emit fire.

Manik straightened up and asked, concerned Nandini! What happened? All she said in a reply was - in a steel cutting tone Navya Aarav ko Bahar lejao. Navya immediately did what was said and then Cabir asked, coming close to her Nandini! Bol to sahi ke hua kya hai? She din't answer and instead made Mr. Vadhera stand - catching his collar and then said Vihaan batao sabko ke kya hua hai. All their gazes shifted to Vihaan informed, looking at Manik Mr. Malhotra! Aap per attack Mr. Vadhera ne karwaya hai. His statement fell like a thunderbolt on Mr. Vadhera who was sweating heavily and bolted the blues out of Fab - 5. At Manik's behest to give a more clear picture, Vihaan explained Yes! I know you all might be confused why he would do this. Well! The answer is here. He said and passed on a legal agreement to Cabir which was actually the contract they made with Mr. Vadhera. Cabir gave him a perplexed look, not able see what Vihaan was showing and seeing this, Vihaan continued, pointing finger at the last two clauses of the contract After you read the contract; don't know how - he replaced the clause sheet deceitfully with a new one which included two extra clauses reading:

Clause 31 - On failure of submission of songs before the given deadline - Fab 5 - by default - would get permanently bound to Vadhera Label and

Clause 32 - In case they refuse to abide by the rule, Malhotra industries will have to pay an amount of Rs.500 crore as compensation.

Fab 5 were knocked for a six hearing his plan to scandalize them and left them confounded but keeping aside the rage, Manik asked further But why did he do this? Vihaan moved near him and replied His company has gone bankrupt and the sole purpose of this deal was to extract money from you. So he .. He was cut off by Nandini, who continued, still staring at Mr. Vadhera So he gave supari to shoot you - so that this album won't be completed and he would get the money. Everything was now crystal clear and all five of them were cursing themselves for being so ignorant. The room became awkwardly silent for a few minutes and then breaking it Nandini, turned around and asked the Commissioner Now that every thing is said and heard - Do you mind me giving my piece of mind to our guest, Sir? The Commissioner simpered and leisurely leaned on wall, crossing his arms across his chest. Taking it as a Yes, Nandini again turned to face Mr. Vadhera and slapped him tightly across his face; he stumbled and fell on the couch - such was the intensity of the smack.

Manik din't want Nandini to get hurt so he advanced to stop her - but she stopped him by raising her palm. For the first time in 6 years - Manik was seeing her so much irated; she was crying not because of Pain but out of temper. For a second, he felt it was his old self standing before him and not Nandini - she was looking exactly the same; jaw tightened and eyes red - rimmed with spleen. What happened next, left everyone aghast; flabbergasted and staggered; Nandini took the knife kept on the table for cutting fruits and gashed it against Vadhera's chest - exactly at the same place where Manik had been shot. He winced in pain and seeing that, Nandini asked sarcastically, in a steely tone Aww! Dard hua? I am so sorry. But no sorry. And Slash! She again slit his skin - this time on the stomach where Manik had another stitch - making him whine a shriek. Manik and Cabir immediately moved closer to her - feared that she might kill him but she again gestured them to halt and then said, clenching Vadhera's hair - in a pain - filled and revengeful voice Tumhe sirf churi se do cut kya lagey, tum toh tadapne lage. Socho Manik ko kitna dard hua hoga jab woh bullets usko lagi thi. She punched him on one of the wounds - causing him to shout for help and continued Itna sa khoon nikalne per tum marey jarahe ho - socho tumhari iss harkat ki wajah se Manik ka kitna khoon baha hoga.

Every pair of witnessing eyes dewed up seeing the soreness and agony in her conduct. The girl who couldn't even hurt a Fly was inflicting injuries on someone in full consciousness - such vengefullness and maliciousness comes only from acute suffering - as a result of deep affliction and this cruel, brutish and cut - throat behavior of Nandini - nullified all the estimations Manik had figured about her endurance through her tears and numbness. His heart ached seeing her so much vulnerable; he realized this incident had effected Nandini par his or anyone's imagination; her actions were speaking much louder and narrating the tale of what she has gone through; her face showed the dread one would feel if happen to pass through hell - no one thought she was holding so much of frustration and antipathy towards the Person who had landed up her Life in hospital. She looked so furious and vindictive that - even the Commissioner who had given permission to do whatever she wanted was forced to rethink over his decision. Unable to bear the retribution, Vadhera finally spoke or to be more precise, begged for life; already scared shitless and frightened to wits seeing his death standing in front of him in guise of Nandini Please mujhe Jaaney do. Bohot badi ghalti hogayi mujhse. Maaf kardo mujhe. Nandini chuckled at his helplessness; her red eyes void of any mercy or sympathy - only abhorrence and flames of rancor blazing in them and then she abruptly controlled her laugh and replied, gritting her teeth Bas 10 minute ka torture and you are so scared. Tch .. tch .. tch .. How I wish I could stop this - But No! This is not going to stop. She said the last line in an ear - splitting voice and did something - that threw Vadhera into a blue funk and made his blood run cold; the room echoed with her Name that exclaimed out of every person's mouth on seeing her aiming a gun at Vadhera.

Alarmed at her sudden drastic step and panicked, thinking she might end up doing something felonious, Manik rushed towards her and said mildly Baby Please don't do this. You can't be a criminal. You are my Baby - who forgives even the person who hurts her. Nandini din't look at him and replied brusquely, eyeing Vadhera Agar isne yeh mere saath kiya hota toh main maaf kardeti. Per yahan isne tumhe hurt kiya hain. I can, for once, turn a blind eye to a person who would take my life but I cannot forgive the man who had given you so much pain. Never! I hate him! I hate him from the bottom of my heart. Manik was gathering words to speak but before he could say anything,P-taff!!! The four walls of the room reverberated with the deafening sound of gunshot; making everyone's heart to stop beating and eyes to bulge out tearing the eye - lids in horror. Manik's heart sank deep into the grave with the rapid emergence of possible gruesome consequences that would follow the gun down; 'Nandini would get arrested!' 'She will be jailed!' 'What if the court gives her death penalty?' 'She would hate herself for taking someone's life!' 'They would be separated forever!' 'How would he survive without her?' But probably out of shock, Manik forgot that his Nandini was not someone who would get overpowered and deranged by temper neither was she a crackbrained woman who would take justice in her hands that to in the presence of cops.

Manik let out a breath that was hitched in his throat on seeing that the bullet din't hit him but pierce the couch just beside his head. Vadhera was paralyzed, completely blue and was trembling in his shoes; already half - dead just with the blaring of handgun and adding to his misery, Nandini again fisted his hair in her hand and shouted, shaking his head vigorously Dar Laga?? Nikli na jaan? Aisi hi haalat thi meri - adhmari - isi tarah ro rahe they hum sab jab Manik was lying in ICCU swinging between life and death. Mann toh karraha hai ke abhi, yahin per iss gun ki 6 golian tumhare seene me utar doon - per phir tujh mein aur mujh me koi farq nahi rahega. Na hi tera gunah itna chota hai ke tu itni asaani se marjaye. She pulled him up grabbing his hair and shoved him - making him fall in the feet of Commissioner Take him away before I cross my limits and end up killing him. Vihaan! File cases under attempt of Murder and fraudulence against him on my behalf and do anything that requires to make sure he rots in Jailhouse till eternity. Vihaan complied and left with DSP and constables who were dragging Vadhera along with them.

Nandini moved towards the Commissioner and said, handing over the gun to him I Hope you din't mind me wasting a bullet. Thank You for allowing me to do what I did. I just wanted to teach him a lesson. The Commissioner who was a tricksy happy - go - lucky old man yet a hardcore enemy of the criminals replied, tongue in cheek Aah! I din't mind at all. Don't thank me - in fact I should thank You for sparing me this entertainment and also for teaching me this quirky and kooky way of teaching someone a lesson. Nandini smiled at his chucklesome reply and then he assured in a serious voice Don't worry Mrs. Malhotra! I will personally handle this matter and will make sure this bast**d gets what he deserves. Nandini thanked him profusely and escorted him till the door as a token of gratitude.

She closed the door and turned about to find everyone standing dumbfounded and stupefied; ogling at her as if she wasn't Nandini but some Alien from Mars. Breaking the elaborate quietude, Cabir asked What was that? Itna bold act aur tu? And how did you find it was Vadhera? Whats happening? Batayegi? Nandini took a deep breath and answered I was shaken but I couldn't let the wrongdoers roam freely. When Manik consoled me and brought me back to normal; the first thing I did was contact Vihaan to start with the inspection process. She paused for a moment and continued Commissioner Sir is Vihaan's uncle - I requested him once and he agreed to find the shooter. Within a day they tracked down the sharp shooter who was hired to attack and he revealed Vadhera's plotting behind this. Even I was confused ke why he would do this tab Vihaan told me to have a check on Contract. We did and all the pieces of the puzzle were found. Fab 5 were dumbstruck hearing how she managed it all alone despite being so much shattered and Manik concluded it was this thing she was hiding from him.

He walked near her and asked, mopping the tear droplets that were dangling on her beautiful lashes Tum theek ho na Nandini? She took his hands in hers and replied, kissing them Main ab theek hoon Manik. And once your wound heals; I will be completely fine. She then caught her ears and said, bowing her head down I am sorry for being so fiendish and barbarous. But I just couldn't let him be at peace. Manik cupped her face and replied, making her look into his eyes You know what Nandini? Today I saw myself in you. You were looking like my mirror image. Itne ghusse me tumhe kabhi nahi dekha. For a second mujhe laga tum usey mar hi dalogi. Though I loved this sherni mode of yours but please don't repeat this again. There is danger in dealing with such jerks. Okaye? She smiled and said, resting her head on his heart I won't promise because any person who will hurt you - will have to face this. Have to deal with me. Pyaar hum dono ne kiya hai toh sabko protect karne ki zimmedari sirf tumhari kiun hogi? I can't and I don't even want to back off from performing my duty as your star. I Love You. He was overwhelmed by her reply; and tears found their way to his eyes and then down his cheek but he din't let them come to her notice and replied I Love You too My shining star. She smiled and so did the rest of Fab 4 - who were happy beyond limits to see Nandini taking such a valiant stand for them and Manik and just ran to them and jumped on them - taking them in a group hug - a gesture that showed their love and reverence towards her and her love for them.

After good couple of minutes of family time, Cabir broke the hug and asked, taking Nandini in a side - hug Wese Mukti! Sorry lekin aaj Nandini tera Lady hulk wala title cheen liya. Yaar tum dono ki jodi God ne bohot soch samajh kar banayi hai. Hum sochtey they yeh 'opposites attract' wala case hai - but we were wrong. Tu toh Manik ki photocopy nikli! Bas size thoda chota hai. Woh kya kehte hai. Haan! Chota Packet Bada dhamaka! Nandini playfully hit him on his chest and then Mukti seconded him saying, hugging Nandini from the other side Seriously Cabir! Main toh iske ghusse ke aas paas bhi nahi aati. Kitna darr gaya tha woh Vadhera. Agar tere Viraaath Roop ko dekhker shock mein nahi hotey na - toh hum pakka ROFL karrahe hotey.The ever quiet Dhruv too spoke in her appraisal Haan Nandini. We had seen your love and care for Manik but din't know ke tum iss limit tak jaasakti ho. Hats off! Tu sacchi mein bohot lucky hai buddy. Manik smiled proudly and replied, locking his eyes with Nandini Of course I am buddy. Not just lucky but the luckiest. And this a certainty. She is the fruit of my hard times. He then took Nandini's hand and rejoined, making her stand beside him I always complained for being alone and surrounded by darkness. But little did I knew that God was not unjust to me but was taking a little time in making this star for me. I love you so much Nandini. I love you. Moved by his words. Nandini just hugged him tightly and being more than ready for it, Manik took her in one - leaving everyone awwing and compelled to bless their two angels in their hearts for an umpteenth time.

To Be Continued ..